At 1007, 25 May 2025, club riders, veterans, active-duty service members, and civilian supporters began Rolling Thunder Chapter NC-5’s annual Ride for Freedom at American Legion Post 265 in Jacksonville, North Carolina.
Upon arrival, motorcycles were observed staged throughout the parking area, numerous displaying American flags, military insignia, POW/MIA flags, and memorial patches. Veterans, military families, and members of the local Jacksonville community mingled, building a shared sense of purpose.
Rolling Thunder, a nonprofit advocacy organization, exists to bring awareness to American prisoners of war, service members MIA (missing in action), and issues affecting veterans. Chapter NC-5, based in Jacksonville, NC, continues that mission through community events, advocacy, and annual memorial rides.
“North Carolina still has 38 service members missing from the Vietnam War,” said Bryan Dent, president of Rolling Thunder Chapter NC-5. “It’s more than just supporting veterans. It’s bringing public awareness, educating the government, and making sure those missing are not forgotten, “ said Dennis McNulty, vice president of Rolling Thunder Chapter NC-5.
For those in Jacksonville, the significance is even more tangible.
Just outside Marine Corps Base Camp Lejeune, the names honored during the ride could belong to Marines who deployed from the same installation, served in the same units, or never made the trip home, underscoring the event’s personal resonance.
For a military community, Memorial Day is not symbolic; it’s personal.
Photo by Luke Smolen
